[464 Cover] Facing the Climate Change

   Climate change caused by global warming exacerbates extreme weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rain, leading to significant disruptions in our daily lives. Each summer brings more intense heat waves and unpredictable downpours, and it has now become a regular part of our lives. Traditional seasonal patterns, such as the rainy season, are breaking down, and weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. In response to these challenges, Dongguk University is actively engaged in a wide range of initiatives both on and off campus to foster a sustainable future. In particular, the environment club “EcoCo” is actively involved in various initiatives. In this article, The Dongguk Post will discuss the current state of climate change in South Korea and explore how Dongguk University and its environmental club, EcoCo, are addressing the climate crisis.

Korea’s extreme summer weather: unpredictable downpours, heat waves

   South Korea is suffering from climate change. This summer, students might have experienced unprecedented weather patterns, highlighting the severity of the situation. Unlike previous years, this year’s monsoon season was characterized by irregular, localized downpours. The media have coined the terms “goblin monsoon” and “stealth monsoon” to describe these unusual weather patterns, often comparing them to the elusive nature of fighter jets that can evade radar. Researchers from the Forecast Research Division at the Korea Meteorological Administration presented a paper at the 2023 Korean Meteorological Society conference, stating that “as the climate crisis deepens, even the meteorological perspective on the form of the monsoon is changing.” Weather forecasts have been consistently inaccurate, with sunny days following heavy rain warnings and sudden downpours catching many off guard. The nation’s average rainfall has significantly increased compared to last year, and emergency flood alerts have skyrocketed. Landslides, flooded homes, and casualties have become increasingly common due to the heavy rains.

   Summer temperature patterns are rapidly changing. The monsoon season is becoming increasingly irregular, and heat waves are starting earlier than before. This year, temperatures soared to 39 degrees Celsius as early as June, and the first heatwave warning was issued a week earlier than last year. Heat waves pose severe threats to health, society, and the economy. Heat-related illnesses have been on the rise nationwide, resulting in an increasing number of fatalities.

   The Korean Peninsula has been experiencing extreme weather patterns throughout the summer, with a vicious cycle of heavy rain and heat waves. In some cases, heavy rain warnings were issued in the morning, followed by heatwave warnings in the afternoon. Experts have concluded that this extreme weather and compound disasters are becoming the “new normal.” This term implies that the current climate patterns in South Korea have become the new standard due to climate change. Experts warn that as records for heat waves and heavy rain continue to be broken each year, the climate is changing, and the increasing frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events due to global warming are inevitable.

   However, analyses suggest that climate change in South Korea is occurring at a faster and more severe rate than the global average. According to the Ministry of Environment’s Climate Change Adaptation Report for the Republic of Korea, the annual average temperature in Korea has increased by approximately 1.6°C over the past 109 years, faster than the global average increase of 1.09°C. This rapid and severe climate change makes it increasingly difficult to predict weather patterns in Korea. The recurring occurrences of localized torrential downpours and record-breaking heat waves pose a significant threat to everyone.

Dongguk University’s efforts to address climate change

   In the face of the severe climate crisis, as described above, Dongguk University is committed to combating climate change and has undertaken numerous initiatives across various disciplines. In particular, Dongguk University’s Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation drew significant attention in July when it signed an agreement with Gyeongju City to undertake a national research project on Urban Flood Response jointly. This agreement was initiated by the government in response to the severe flooding that inundated the southern part of the Han River with over 300mm of rain in 2022, resulting in significant casualties. Given the increasing frequency of localized heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events in Korea due to global climate change, this research project is expected to significantly contribute to the development of urban safety infrastructure.

   Furthermore, Dongguk University has established an ESG committee to fulfill its corporate social responsibility and build a sustainable management system. ESG management refers to a management approach where companies pursue sustainable development and fulfill their environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. Dongguk University’s ESG committee is undertaking various initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality, contribute to the community, and promote ethical management. In a significant move, the university has formalized its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, resource conservation, community engagement, local economic growth, and ethical governance. To support these goals, the institution has approved 20 focused initiatives and 34 performance metrics. Through these efforts, the university has demonstrated its commitment to becoming a university that prioritizes environmental protection and social responsibility.

The climate crisis through the eyes of EcoCo

   As the alarming state of climate change intensifies, individual students from Dongguk University are also teaming up to fight against the crisis. EcoCo is a student club of the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at Dongguk University. Their goal is to raise environmental awareness and take the lead in carbon neutrality. In response to the severe climate crisis, EcoCo is focused on spreading knowledge about the severity of the climate emergency and inspiring students to engage in collective efforts toward sustainable solutions.

   EcoCo has continued participating in Seoul City’s Carbon Neutrality Practice Contest this year, following its Grand Prize win last year. The club is making multifaceted efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at the university. EcoCo is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future through various efforts, including improvements to campus systems and facilities, enhancement of environmental awareness among Donggukians, and ecological education. One of EcoCo’s most significant contributions was the improvement of the umbrella rainwater removal machines on campus. They contributed to reducing unnecessary plastic waste by replacing the existing two rainwater removal machines that used umbrella plastic covers with an eco-friendly rain remover that absorbs water with an absorption pad. Also, at the Dongguk University Spring Festival, about 300 disposable containers were reduced through eco-friendly booths using multi-use containers. To have a positive impact not only on campus but also on neighboring communities, they are regularly plogging. Here, the phrase plogging, which is a combination of the Swedish word plocka upp (to pick up) and the English phrase jogging, refers to “the act of jogging while picking up trash.” EcoCo is not just pursuing sustainable activities but is also participating in future education. They said they will conduct recycling separation and discharge education for families of elementary school students at the end of September with the Seoul Northern Community Welfare Center.

   So far, we have discussed the pressing issue of climate change and highlighted Dongguk University’s contributions to combating it. Severe heat waves and erratic heavy rainfall have become the new normal, and climate change is now influencing every facet of our existence. In response to these challenges, Dongguk University has undertaken a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change. EcoCo is conducting various activities related to carbon neutrality. The Dongguk Post hopes that Donggukians are aware of the ever-changing and severe climate crisis and participate in environmental initiatives.